Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) may experience fewer infections and allergic complications if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to new research presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, FL.
For the study, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 5,758 vaccinated and 5,758 unvaccinated pediatric AD patients. Participants were matched for demographics and health history. Children with prior COVID-19 infection or major comorbidities were excluded.
“Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination not only protects against coronavirus but may also have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis,” says Zhibo Yang, MD, PhD, a Pediatrician at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the principal investigator of the study, in a news release. “We found lower rates of both allergic conditions and infections among vaccinated children compared to their unvaccinated peers.”
Among the key takeaways:
- Vaccinated children had significantly fewer infections such as otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, and other skin infections.
- Risks of allergic conditions were also lower in vaccinated children, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, and food-related anaphylaxis.
- From the time of vaccination to onset of infection, there was a delayed onset for several conditions, including allergic rhinitis, viral infections, and ear infections.
“The results indicate that vaccination may help reduce the likelihood of atopic disease progression, such as the development of asthma, in children with eczema,” says Dr. Yang. “It reinforces the safety and potential added benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable population.”
